Medical Soldiers earn the Norwegian Foot March Badge

Photo By Alain M. Polynice | The Norwegian Foot March, or Road March badge (in Norwegian it is Marsjmerket) is a Norwegian Armed forces skill badge. It was created in 1915 for the purpose of exposing new soldiers to the conditions one might expect as a soldier in the field. (Courtesy Photo)  

GERMANY

10.03.2019

Story by Alain M. Polynice 

Medical Readiness Command, Europe

PANZER KASERNE, Germany – Six Soldiers from U.S. Army Health Clinic Stuttgart had the opportunity to partner with Soldiers from 1st Battalion, 10th Special Forces Group as they all competed for the chance to earn the Norwegian Foot March Badge, Oct. 3, 2019.

The Norwegian Foot March, or Marsjmerket, is a Norwegian armed forces skill badge that is earned.

It originated in 1915 for the purpose of exposing civilians and new military recruits to what it is like to be in the field. Since then, it has evolved to become a Foreign Service badge earned by completing the foot march to standard.

Participants had to complete, in uniform with boots, an 18.6 mile (30 kilometers) ruck march within 4 hours and 30 minutes while carrying a 25 pound (11 kilograms) ruck sack. Participants had to abide by the rules in order to earn the badge.

The ruck march was sponsored by 1-10th SFG and verified by a member of the Norwegian Army.

All but one AHC Stuttgart soldier earned the badge.

Sgt. Eugine Amoko and Staff Sgt. Randy Bare Jr., both from AHC Stuttgart Patient Administration Division, led the way as Amoko finished the foot march in 4 hours and 16 minutes while Bare finished in 4 hours and 19 minutes.

The Norwegian Foot March badge is an approved foreign award and may be worn on the Army Service Uniform.

"Physical fitness is paramount in a Soldier's career," said Bare. "The ruck hurt, but the soldiers of AHC Stuttgart pushed through and earned a foreign badge."

• Date Taken: 10.03.2019
• Date Posted: 11.14.2019 06:58
• Story ID: 351666
• Location: DE